Hong Kong Task Force Tackles Trafficking in Thailand

Hong Kong has deployed a dedicated task force to Thailand to address cases involving residents lured to Southeast Asian countries and forced into illegal work, following the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai-Myanmar border. The Security Bureau reported 28 requests for assistance since mid-2024; 16 victims have returned home, and 12 remain with restricted movement but in contact with their families. The task force, consisting of members from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department, will engage with local and Chinese authorities in Thailand to facilitate rescues and share intelligence. This move follows a rise in such trafficking incidents, echoing a similar situation in 2022. Families of affected individuals have expressed both relief and frustration over the response time, emphasizing the need for decisive action against scam syndicates. The task force's mission will be to ensure the safe return of all Hongkongers and dismantle the operations of these criminal networks.